It may be getting cold outside, but you can warm things up in your kitchen with herbs and spices from around the globe, found right here in the city. NY1 took the Zagat Gourmet Shopping Guide on our quest.

Spice Corner
135 Lexington Avenue
212-689-5182
SpiceCorner29.com

"If it's spice, they have it," claims Zagat. It says Indian food lovers swoon as soon as they walk into this modest Indian grocery store with friendly staff. Surveyors say that's thanks to its heady aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, myriad curry blends and peppercorns.

According to the guide, the shelves are also crammed with beans, grains, chutneys and even cookware – as well as selection of Indian sweets.

With 30 the high grade, Spice Corner scores a 24 for quality, an 18 for display, and a 17 for service. The survey puts the prices at inexpensive.

Penzey's Spices
Grand Central Market
212-972-2777
Penzeys.com

Zagat says this Grand Central outpost of a national chain boasts a "wonderful" selection" of the "best, freshest spices and herbs" around. Regulars report "so many spices, so little time to cook," and soak up tips from the "knowledgeable" staff on how to use the "unusual" and fantastic" spice blends and rubs.

Customers add not only are the "scents" here "intoxicating," so are the "unbeatable" prices and quality.

Penzey's Spices gets a 27 for quality and a 23 for both display and service. The guide says prices are moderate.